U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a comprehensive 20-point strategy on Monday aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza. The proposal marks a departure from Trump’s previous stances and includes provisions that both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have previously opposed.
While Netanyahu has endorsed the plan, Hamas has indicated that it is currently reviewing the details. Michael Lynk, a law professor at Western University and former United Nations Human Rights Council special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, expressed skepticism about the proposal.
For Hamas, the plan requires the group to surrender in exchange for unspecified benefits. Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the deal, Israel would have full backing from the United States to take any necessary actions in Gaza, a region already ravaged by the conflict.
Key highlights of Trump’s proposal include an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops contingent upon Hamas disarmament and the introduction of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), complete demilitarization of Gaza, and the involvement of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in overseeing Gaza under international control.
Furthermore, the plan envisions a transitional government led by an international body, the “Board of Peace,” with Trump and Blair playing pivotal roles. The proposal vaguely alludes to the possibility of Palestinian statehood in the future, without specifying concrete timelines or conditions.
While Israel has accepted the proposal, Hamas’s response remains uncertain, with concerns raised about the lack of guarantees for Gaza’s well-being. Despite potential challenges, there is mounting pressure on Hamas to accede to the plan to halt the ongoing conflict and alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s inhabitants.
